Ipswich 2-1 Leicester City - Manager Views

Last updated : 12 February 2005 By Site Editor
Town boss Joe Royle felt that the conditions did not help his players on the pitch: "The wind was actually worse than it looked and it led to a scrappy game."

The former Everton boss was pleased with the victory, but admitted his side were not at their best: "They were unbeaten in six or seven before this. We've not played that well, we can do an awful lot better, so it's nice to win when not at our best."

Royle also felt that his team improved in the second period of play at Portman Road: "In the second half we played better without being great. We had chances up front but defended comfortably.

"The results are everything in this sport, but I want us to play better. We're in an edgy position and have to win our home games as I expect Sunderland and Wigan to win theirs."

Meanwhile Leicester boss Craig Levein said: "We had chances as good as we've had in matches and but for good goalkeeping we could have had two or three goals.

"I am disappointed with our defending at set-pieces. We've marked well for corners previously, but lost out at them just lately. But in open play we were not put under pressure, except when we committed players forward.

"Although I'm very disappointed with the result, I'm happy with the performance. We've made six or seven chances against a top team and scored with our most difficult chance.

"I'm trying to build a team here but it takes time. Even at 2-0 down away to the league leaders we battled hard and in the last 10 minutes looked like the team most likely to score."